'Tough To Move On From World Cup Final Defeat, But...' - Suryakumar Yadav

India National Cricket Team captain Suryakumar Yadav has stated that moving on from the World Cup final defeat is very tough for players, but the victory in the home T20Is against Australia National Cricket Team acted as a “big boost” for them.

The Rohit Sharma-led side faced a heartbreaking loss against Pat Cummins-led Australia in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After the tournament, the Men In Blue took on the Aussies in a T20I series under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and won by 4-1.

India’s next challenge is a T20I series against South Africa and speaking ahead of the first match, skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that the Indian players played a fearless brand of cricket against Australia and wants them to do the same against the Proteas.

“The World Cup defeat was a disappointment, and it is tough to move on from it. But the series win against Australia was a big boost even though it came in a different format. The players put their hands up against Australia and came up with fearless cricket, and we need to play the same against South Africa. I just told them (players) to do exactly what they do in franchise cricket,” said Suryakumar.

We have the combination in mind – Suryakumar Yadav

The 33-year-old also revealed that they have already decided the playing combination for the South Africa T20Is. However, he didn’t reveal any names. Suryakumar Yadav said:

“We have the combination in mind. We know who are going to open tomorrow, and perhaps, will take a final call after the practice session today. Yes, we have enough sixth bowler options in this side to bank upon.”

He further said that he is enjoying captaining the Indian team in T20Is in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

“I am enjoying it. It is all about keeping the players together and this is a fine group of players,” Suryakumar added.

The three-match T20I series between India and South Africa will be played on December 10, 12 and 14 in Durban, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.

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